Next week your child will take his/her first spelling test. The first ten words on the spelling list are the regular spelling words that follow a phonics rule (short /a/ this week). The last five are high frequency (challenge) words. A similar list will come home every Friday. Challenge words are the weekly high frequency words that we read about and practice using, but often don't follow the typical phonics rules and are more challenging. Challenge words do not count against the spelling grade if your child spells them incorrectly. However, we encourage each child to at least try these words since we do practice them in class as well. There are many fun ways to practice spelling. Here are a few of my favs:
1. On the computer - http://www.spellingcity.com/Housmane/
2. ABC order- Write your words in alphabetical order.
3. Pyramid words- Write your words adding one letter at a time. The result will be a pyramid shape of words!
Example: star
s
st
sta
star
4. Rainbow words- Use three different colors to write your words.
5. Spelling word hunt- hide the words written on stickies around the house. Have your child write them down as they find them.
6. Backward words- Write the words forward, then backwards.
7. Picture words- draw a picture and hide the words within the picture.
8. Good clean words- Write your words in shaving cream on the counter.
Let me know if you need more fun ideas! I have a ton! Enjoy!
~Mrs. Housman